Grace United Methodist Church Non-profit Organization Gather to Christ U.S. POSTAGE PAID Grow as Disciples 300 E. Gartner Rd. NAPERVILLE, IL Go to Serve Naperville, IL 60540-7424 PERMIT NO. 75 Grace Notes A Communications Ministry of Grace United Methodist Church August 2014 Newest Staff Member Open Doors to Those With Special Needs By Barb Ceruti race is pleased to Nicole will work with school and her children foster ani- welcome another aged special needs children mals in their home through newcomer to our predominantly on Sunday DuPage Animal Control’s staff. On July 21, mornings during Sunday adoption program. The Nicole Zaccaria joined our school. She believes strongly therapeutic benefit of ani- Open Doors Ministry that these children should be mals to those with special (ODM), serving children in the classroom along with needs is well known to with special needs and their their peers. “It helps every- Nicole. When she and her off-site church activities and families. “I am very excited one if we can change the previous black Labrador retreats and hopes to pair to be here!” said Nicole, a mindset about those with therapy dog worked togeth- them with same-age buddies. speech pathologist in Naper- physical, emotional or cogni- er at a Minnesota summer “It is very important to me ville’s School District 204 for tive issues from disability to camp, the gentle pet brought that students have access

the past 18 years. difference. We all benefit out language in children and not just to the same curricu-

Informed by Grace member from more exposure to, helped to calm and settle la, but to the same experi- and Scullen Middle School more understanding of, and them. “I’m a huge believer ences as their peers. That Principal Mark Truckenbrod fewer misconceptions about in animal therapy.” is how they achieve success.” those with special needs.” of the need for a part-time In addition to serving special Nicole Zaccaria can be ODM coordinator at Grace, A single mother of a seven- needs children and their fam- reached by e-mail at Nicole jumped at the chance year-old daughter and 10- ilies at Grace, ODM hopes [email protected]. to bring her skills and expe- year-old son, Nicole grew up to bring others from the New adult and peer buddies What Do You Want In: rience to Grace as well as in Oak Park and recently community into our church are always welcome to the • OUR W EBSITE? her passion for including spe- moved to Naperville from family. Acknowledging the Grace Open Doors Ministry as • DULT DUCATION LASSES cial needs children and youth Wheaton. Employed at Scul- scarcity of churches with well as those who would like to A E C ? in the mainstream arena. len Middle School for the programs like ODM and the serve the ministry in other TAKE OUR SURVEYS, PLEASE! “Church should be a place past 16 years, Nicole has hesitancy of parents to intro- capacities. To volunteer with where all children and their both a bachelor and master’s duce their special needs chil- ODM or for further infor- Scan here for families feel welcome and degree in speech pathology dren to church and other mation, please contact Nicole I. HOW CAN WE IMPROVE OUR WEBSITE? website survey. relaxed,” said Nicole. and recently received a mas- environments, Nicole assert- or Pastor Tammy Biltgen at

Take our online survey! Here’s how: Along with ODM founders ter’s of education in reading. ed, “These children should 630-355-1748, ext. 3226, or • Go to www.peopleofgrace.org, or scan the QR code at right Mark and Laurel Fleming, She is also a fervent animal be embraced, not deacontammy@ • chair Lisa Richardson, and a lover. Owners of a one- ‘explained.’” She also peopleofgrace.org. Click the “We Want Your Feedback” image on the home page year-old Shih Tzu and a believes they should have • team of ODM “buddies,” Answer the brief questions and click “submit”! seven-year-old cat, Nicole the opportunity to attend

II. WHAT ADULT EDUCATION CLASSES WOULD YOU LIKE US TO OFFER IN THE 2014-15 YEAR? AND WHEN? Rally Sunday August 24! Take our online survey! Here’s how: Let’s make some noise on August 24 and celebrate a “New Year” of Sunday School • Go to www.peopleofgrace.org/christian_education (or just go to people- classes for children, youth and adults (read about our Adult Education survey on ofgrace.org and click the “Christian Education” tab on the left side of the Scan here for the back cover), a new choir season (see rehearsal schedule on page 4), and our home page), or scan the QR code at right Adult Ed. survey. annual “Blessing of the Backpacks” for school children at 9:30 worship. We have • Click the “Adults” tab on the Christian Education page much Pastorto celebrate Bill and his at wife Grace of nearly this 63 year…not years, Erma only a new season, but new staff members, too! Last month, we • Click the very large text that says “Let Us Know What You Want In Adult Education welcomed Revs. Tammy Biltgen and Matthew Johnson to our Grace staff; hopefully, you have had a chance to Classes - Take Our Survey!” meet them both. If not, please introduce yourself to them, and wear your name tags! We also welcome a new Open Doors Ministry coordinator, Nicole Zaccaria. Please read about her and her ministry in the article above. • Answer the 10 questions and click “done”! If you don’t see any classes that interest you and you have an8 idea for a study, please share with Pastor Tammy at 630-355-1748, ext. 3226, or [email protected].

Beyond the Pew: Step Up to Adult Education From Leslie Rogers, Adult Education Chair

Pastor’s Journal This summer has certainly been one filled with changes at of Progressive Christianity on Monday Change Is Not Easy Grace. How about getting back to God’s Word? Perhaps evenings. After the new year, a new study

this is the year for you to take that big step, make a com- called “Christians Engaging Israel” will be Whether in our personal lives, our working lives, in our community or in our Church, transitions mitment, and get on board with God. A number of Bible offered. Many exciting things are coming to make for questions, concerns, and uncertainty. This summer’s changes in the staff at Grace have study classes are being planned for the fall and winter Adult Education this year! In order to serve been a challenge for many of us, as they have meant re-alignments and different expectations. months. We will offer Disciple I classes on Monday eve- you better on your journey in faith, please This is exactly the time our faith makes a difference. When things around us are no longer the nings and Wednesday mornings, and “Jesus in the Gospels” take our survey polling which classes you same, it is to the one constant in our lives that we can turn. The “Serenity Prayer” by Reinhold Niebuhr—“O God, give and “Christian Believer” will be on Monday evenings. A would like to see offered at Grace and us the serenity to accept what cannot be changed, the courage to change what can be changed, and the wisdom to know new class, “Covenant Bible Study,” will meet on Wednesday which days/times are most convenient for you (see back the one from the other”—is precisely the spiritual strategy for facing change. Wisdom is in discernment. evenings. “Progressive Christianity” will examine “8 Points” cover of this newsletter for survey details).

I am excited about many of the changes happening at Grace that augur a great future for this Church. Greater opportu- nities for mission and ministry will come with our concerted effort to reach out to people in this community. Still, it Hope at Home Mission Illuminates Need For Local Service means things are different from that to which I have become accustomed, and there are challenges. “I had no idea there “Our ‘Shine’ theme To be the Church in this changing world may mean we won’t be the same as we once were. God did not change; were seven sizes of dia- this year came from we and our community changed. We look to God from a different angle for the wisdom to discern what we can do. pers!” said Thomas the need for students By celebrating the new, not forgetting the past, we further the discernment process that is spiritual wisdom. Kelsh of his experience to understand how Change is not easy, but it is inevitably part of life. Let us grow wise together. at Green Harvest Food we should live in the

Grace and Peace, Pantry, one of six local light,” said Assistant Youth Director projects our junior high John Dudich. “Kids ‘do’ a lot. This Hope@Home mission theme (from Philippians 4:13) encour- helped serve June 24-26. aged them to keep a mindset that What’s In a Name? By Pastor Tammy Biltgen While the seventh focuses on positive, healthy perspec- We can look in the Bible and find lists and lists of names I am named Tammy—not Tamara or grader’s comment is cer- tives.” Added Gaye Lynn, “Hope at that are nearly impossible to pronounce, and we can find Tamatha—simply “Tammy,” because my tainly chuckle-worthy Home is a great way for our younger names that have been used by many over several thousand mom fell in love with that name as a (and perhaps useful, youth to see what it means to be the years. Our names help to shape our identity. Some of us go child watching Tammy and the Bachelor, some day!), Thomas hands and feet of Jesus, to give back to by our given name, and others choose to be known by a Tammy and the Doctor, etc. gained much more than our community that gives so much, and it all,” she said. “I will absolutely go to experience the joy that comes from nickname. Sometimes we are known by different names in Over the years, I have come across a that tidbit of knowledge during the different arenas of our lives (family, work, friends, etc). three-day mission. “I loved the way the again next summer!” giving wholeheartedly without expect- wide variety of meanings for my name, kids and adults interacted with each “Hope at Home was a time for our ing anything in return.” As my sisters and friends have become parents, they have from “palm tree” to “perfect one.” Some of you have shared with me some of the pressure they feel in naming a asked, “What should we call you?” Well, my mom would other.” According to Jerry Cornett, an junior high youth and adult chaperones Grace Youth Ministry would like stu- child. Do we choose something unique and “new”? Do we be very pleased to have you call me Tammy, as that is the adult chaperone who has accompanied and teen helpers to begin learning what dents going into 6-8th grade next sum- choose a family name? Do we choose a name based on its name she chose for me. If you feel the need to put a title Hope at Home in previous years: “The it means to be in mission,” said Youth mer and adults to know that there is a meaning? Or, do we choose a name based on a famous before that name, “Pastor Tammy” or “Deacon Tammy” young boys and girls were a real credit Director Gaye Lynn Loufek. “Each day place waiting for them on the 2015 actor, character, or musician? is my preference. to their age group. Grace’s future is raised a new awareness about the Hope at Home mission. “We’ll hold a bright and well as these people grow needs of people right here in our own spot for you!” said Gaye Lynn. I have asked you to help me get to know your names by While I am an Ordained Deacon and carry the title of into adulthood.” backyard. We had the opportunity to wearing name tags and to please be patient when I ask you Reverend, “Rev. Tammy” feels a bit too formal for me. re-visit some familiar serving sites and FALL YOUTH CALENDAR for your name, yet again. You have been extremely kind, I am hopeful that in our ministry together we not only learn Thomas also enjoyed visiting our home- bound members. “I talked to a 99- also learn about some new organiza- • 8th Gr. Confirmation Kick- patient and helpful as I am getting to know new names and one another’s names, but also share stories and develop tions and help in new and different Off - Sat., September 6 faces. Thank you! Now, I would like to hear from you lifelong relationships. year-old man who told us about his experiences as a soldier in World War ways.” • Confirmation Orientation about how you got your name. What does your name mean? My parents (really, my mother) chose my name. II. I will definitely go on Hope at Home This summer, the Hope at Home team Sun., September 7 again next year!” he said. served Naperville’s Little Friends, sup- • Jr./Sr. High Sunday School porting children and adults on the au- begins September 7 Amy John, who is entering eighth grade An Invitation From Sherrie Holdeman, Director of New Life Singers this fall, also enjoyed visiting home- tism Spectrum; visits with homebound • Wednesday Night GYM Come sing with New Life Singers! We sing twice per month at the 8:15 a.m. worship service and bound people. “We talked about our Grace family members; Green Harvest begins September 10 for occasional special services throughout the church year. We sing a variety of musical styles, mutual experiences as kids and older Food Pantry, supporting over 100 fami- Confirmation students and parents, including hymn arrangements, Gospel, and traditional music. If you love singing God’s word and people, which was helpful to all of us.” lies in Oswego, Plainfield, Naperville, watch your “snail mail” the week of have been thinking about joining a choir, we might be just the group for you! Come join us at a and Aurora; Wayside Cross in Aurora; First-time Hope at Homer Sarah August 17 for more information… rehearsal on a Wednesday evening at 7:15 in Room 161, beginning August 27. The door is always and a clean- up project with our Grace McCarthy couldn’t pick one thing that Youth and families, watch your mail open to new singers, men and women! For more information, contact Sherrie Holdeman at she liked better than another. “I liked Lighthouse building. [email protected] or 630-983-8313, or talk to any friendly New Life Singers choir member! the week of August 25 for more info...

August 2014 2 7 August 2014 Grace-Grown Produce and Casual Clothes to Fight Hunger! This Sunday’s Services of Meditation Feature Music of Claude Debussy By Nancy Staton

This month, the Grace Hunger Every summer, on a chosen Debussy was influenced by other composers of the time: and Church and Society commit- Sunday, Pastor Bob and or- Tchaikovsky, Rimsky-Korsakov, Richard Wagner (he said tees are offering ways to combat ganist Nancy Staton provide he “did not see what anyone can do beyond Tristan”). the pandemic problem of hun- an opportunity for music in But, Debussy was just as influenced by other art forms as ger. As these photos show, our worship from one composer, he was by music: poetry, visual art and theatre. He was Grace garden is reaping the ben- inspiring meditation on the personally acquainted with writers and painters of the efits of all the copious rain and music and inward reflection. time. Above all, Debussy was inspired by nature and the sunshine we’ve had this summer. This summer, that Sunday is impression it made on his mind. Tomatoes will soon be ripe for August 10 at the 8:15 and the picking, cucumbers too, and All during his career, even though he was highly regarded 9:30 services, featuring the as an incredible pianist, his compositions stirred up much kale is already in abundance! music of Claude Debussy. controversy. He constantly wrote articles for leading Come to the Activity Center on Please join us at one (or Sundays each week to see what produce is available for a dona- Parisian journals. In answering his critics he once said: CLAUDE DEBUSSY both!) of these services to “Yes, I did break the rules, but I got the sound I wanted!” tion to the benefit of Naperville’s Loaves & Fishes food pantry. experience the beauty of You may also add your own 1862-1918 But Debussy didn’t break rules; he made new ones! Debussy’s music. He established pat- excess produce to our yield. terns that would Last year, we raised over $300 Claude-Achille Debussy was born at St. Germain-En-Laye in donations for Loaves & Fish- be followed by (near Paris) on August 22, 1862. He was the eldest of five other composers AUGUST 10 es—let’s do it again, and more! children. His father, Manuel-Achille Debussy, owned a for years to come. The Grace Hunger team has china shop, and his mother, Victorine Manoury Debussy, 8:15 & 9:30 AM sponsored three “Casual Sun- was a seamstress. At age 10, he entered the Conserva- The first book of Preludes (1910) days” this summer, the last of toire de Paris, where he spent 11 years, studying with Last “Casual Sunday” of the summer is SERVICES OF which is August 17. Come to significant figures of the era, including organ with César were his most church NOT in your Sunday August 17. Purchase wristbands/t-shirts Franck. successful works in the Activity Center on August 10 or in for piano. They MEDITATION best! (See further information Debussy was winner of the 1884 Prix de Rome. He then at right). the Narthex on August 17. include La Cathe- received a scholarship to the Académie des Beaux-Arts, dral Engloutie which included a four-year residence at the French Acade- (The Engulfed F›ƒãçٮĦ NƒÄ‘ù SãƒãÊÄ Ö½ƒù®Ä¦ Vacation Bible School a “Wonder”ful Week for Grace and Community Children! my in Rome. However, Debussy found the artistic atmos- Cathedral), which 㫛 ÃçÝ®‘ Ê¥ C½ƒç—› D›çÝÝù. phere stifling. He was often depressed and unable to we will hear on By Margaret Harrison imagine and build things (Hannah Fred- compose. In June 1885, Debussy wrote of his desire to August 10. Debussy wanted people to respond intuitively ericks). Bible Blueprints included “The follow his own way, saying, “I am sure the Institute would to these pieces, so he placed the titles at the end of each Wow! Vacation Bible School was full Story of Esther,” Rebuilding the Lord’s not approve, for naturally it regards the path which it of “wonders”! From Grace and the one, in the hope the listeners would not make stereotype ordains as the only right one. But there is no help for it! images as they listened. community, 210 children dis- I am too enamoured of my freedom, too fond of my own covered how to use their ideas.” He returned from Rome to Paris and his parents’ Debussy died at his Paris home on March 25, 1918. His hearts, minds and imaginations home on the avenue de Berlin. death occurred in the midst of the aerial and artillery to serve God at “God’s bombardment of Paris during the German Spring Workshop of Wonders” July Offensive of World War I. 14-18. They met people from the Bible and enjoyed our Coming Next Month! Flute-Percussion Duo puppet, “Rivet the Ant” (Peter Last fall, accomplished flutist and long-time Grace member Stefanie Miller), Dr. Wow and Sam in About 55 adults served as leaders and Abderhalden and gifted percussionist Jeremy Johnston treated our the lab (on video) and Sandy teachers and helped with music, crafts, congregation to a unique and delightful program. The Grace Concert Paper, a carpenter who likes to games, set-up, decorating, and our two Series is pleased to welcome the “Apollo Duo” back to our sanctuary House,” “Parable of the Mustard volunteer luncheons. on Sunday, September 21. Tickets are $10 adults/$8 seniors 65+/kids

Seed,” Feeding the 5,000,” and A mission offering was taken each day and students FREE. Tickets coming soon online and in the office. “Walking to Emmaus.” Each day, for DuPage Habitat for Humanity. WHEN: SEPT. 21, 4:00 P.M. IN THE SANCTUARY Wonder Words energized the chil- Backpacks brought in by the children dren: Imagine With God! Build With went to Pilgrimage UMC in University WHAT: 3 NEW PIECES COMMISSIONED FOR FLUTE God! Grow With God! Work With Park, food went to Loaves & Fishes, AND PERCUSSION FROM NATHAN DAUGHTREY, God! Walk With God! and school supplies were given to chil- DANIELLE FISHER AND JASON CRESS and other works for flute and percussion. Over 65 apprentices and youth helped dren at Trinity UMC in Joliet. Thank Works from this concert will be featured on The Apollo Duo’s debut CD, to be released in November. with music, crafts, games, and snacks. you to our teens, adults, and children!

6 August 2014 3 August 2014

Animal Attraction! Our People

Please send photos and descriptions of your family’s pets or wild- Sympathy to the Friends and Family of… life you have snapped in your yard, on vacation, safari, etc. to Rev. Howard C. Benson (pictured), former [email protected]., or bring to the church office. pastor at Grace UMC Please submit only photos that were taken by you or someone Jeanette Jorgenson, sister of Lorraine you know—no Internet downloads, please. Photos will be Scoville returned upon request. If you would like to see your pet or wild Marlene Loeltz, mother of Sharon Hutt and critters in an upcoming issue of Grace Notes, contact us today! Kathy Sarby Robert Preston, brother of Cliff Preston Milo and Bunny Gladys Schroeder, aunt of Ann Walczak Rosemary H. Smith, mother of Jill Hruska Celebrations and Congratulations

Brenna Vogel and Dusty Hayes, son of Pam Hayes and grandson of Ruth and Dick Trondsen, were married on July 18; the couple depart for Okinawa, Japan, on August 21 for a three-year posting with the Marines Michelle Zdobylak and Jason DaCosta were married on July 19 Leah Nicole Grysh (pictured), daughter of Melissa and Paul Grysh, Jr. and granddaughter of Lorie and Paul Grysh, Sr., was born July 25 Lindsay Babich and Nicholas Bugajsky were married on August 2 Bud and Lois Berger recently celebrated 65 years of marriage Ed Wolak celebrated his 102nd birthday on July 11; please send greetings to 712 Wellner Rd., Naperville, IL 60540 Berneice Quinn celebrated her 95th birthday on July 13; send greetings to 200 Village Dr. #232, Downers Grove, IL 60516 Juanita Burney celebrated her 95th birthday on July 27; These two snuggle bunnies are Milo and Bunny, rescue send greetings to 1101 21st St., Peru, IL 61354 dogs of Ellie and Pete Lindsay’s daughter, Sarah. They are Cliff Holdeman celebrated his 92nd birthday on July 30; both blind and “like two peas in a pod,” says Ellie. Sarah send greetings to 1901 Meadow Lane, Gillette, WY 82718 has a third rescue dog who has only three legs. “But you B.J. Bogguss celebrates her 92nd birthday on August 31; would never know it!” according to Ellie. “Such an animal send greetings to 2004 Audubon Ave. #T24, Naperville, IL lover!” 60563 Baptisms Signer Joins Saturday Evening Worship Saturday evening’s circle of worship at Grace offers several Paul Charles Palmer, son of Scott and Ashley Palmer, was special features, the latest of which is an ASL interpreter, baptized on July 6 Deborah Potts, every Saturday for those in our congrega- Letters tion who are hearing impaired. Dear Grace Family,

Saturday Evening Worship also offers healing prayer and Thank you for your kind thoughts, cards, and prayers for Brad anointing oils twice per month. Healing services this Johnson’s oldest daughter, Elizabeth Tarver, as she traveled her month were on August 2 and again on August 16, at 5:00 final days. She is now at peace. —-Brad and Ruthann Johnson p.m. in the Activity Center. Saturday Evening Worship is Dear Grace Church Bicycle Host Families, informal, family-friendly, and offers an opportunity to meet God and one another in an intimate, Thank you for your hospitality, which provided the support needed meditative setting at week’s end. to complete our 940-mile bicycle ride for “Imagine No Malaria.” After worship, join together for Many lives will be saved with donations to this organization.

refreshments and social time! —Revs. Rob Nystrom, Laurie Haller, Chad Jennings, and Zachary Frid, Jim Chase, and Rev. Molly Turner

4 August 2014 5 August 2014